Bill Daily The Star Of “I Dream Of Jeannie” Passes Away At 91

A family spokesman on Saturday revealed that Bill Daily, the comedic costar to one of the primary stars of I Dream Of Jeannie and The Bob Newhart Show, died. Bill passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier on the week on Tuesday, while surrounded by his friends and family, according to Steve Moyer, his representative.

While Bill wasn’t an A-list star, he frequently was on one of the two biggest televisions shows back in the 1960’s. Daily played Major Roger Healy in every episode of I Dream Of Jeannie from 1965 until 1970.

Healy worked alongside Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden – the latter of which commemorated Bill on Friday night. Eden said that he was “wonderful to work with.”

Bob Newhart, now 89-years-old, said in a statement on Saturday that they had been friends ever since they started in comedy back in the 1950’s.

According to Bob, Daily was a great comedian that was immensely talented; he was resilient and adaptable.

Our favorite zany astronaut, Bill Daily has passed. Billy was wonderful to work with. He was a funny, sweet man that kept us all on our toes. I'm so thankful to have known and worked with that rascal. Until we meet again Billy, xo -B #RIPBillDailypic.twitter.com/OVZjaWB9CP

Newhart said he “called him our bullpen man,” because whenever they were struggling with the show, Bill would make an appearence. Newhart described him as one of the most optimistic and easy-going people he’s ever known.

On Friday, James Urbaniak said he was the “king of affable vulnerability,” on Twitter. Additionally, Bob had episodes of his own on long-running TV shows, including one where he played Jeannie’s master.

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Another star to die this year from the same era was Susan Brown, who starred in the romantic drama, General Hospital. Brown died at the age of 86-years-old, after many years of success on the small screen, in addition to smaller roles on the big screen.